Food Photography Macro Lens: “Third Party” Lens?

Furthermore, I had an endless discussion with myself if I should an I buy a so-called third-party lens as my food photography macro lens or not. Is it worth to save the money with Tamron 90 mm 2.8 lens?

I end up reading through almost all the articles on the Internet. Yes, I binge-watched all the Youtube videos that compared Nikon 105 mm lens and Tamron 90 mm lens. What did I choose?

Chocolate Quinoa Porridge

The dream came true: Fixed Macro Lens

I have been dreaming and daydreaming about fixed Tamron food photography macro lens for my food blogging so long that it was tough for me to think about something else. I spent a little bit too much time on reading and watching videos on those macro lenses that I couldn’t even get one lens out of my head.

My Weakness: No, it’s not shopping for clothes

Photography gear is just my weakness. To be honest, I don’t like shopping, and I don’t want to spend too much time choosing new clothes or shoes. Yes, I’m a weird woman. Usually, when I go to the stores, I like to pick quickly something that I like right away. After that, I prefer to leave the stores as soon as possible. I would rather spend my time in nature or the kitchen. Peaceful place.

Tamron Macro Lens & Keto Cinnamon Donuts for another website

New gift: Shaky hands & Macro Lens

A few weeks ago I had a birthday and looked like my loud dreaming about macro lens was heard. My hands were honestly shaking when I opened the box. Just a little bit too obsessed with lenses. Now I have had some time to experiment with that new Tamron 90mm F/2.8.

Save?

“Third Party” Lens & Skeptical?!

Yes, that’ right I chose that “third party lens” that many photographers don’t like. At first, I was skeptical about Tamron as well. However, over the years I think that Tamron or Sigma has made new improvements.

Tamron 90mm F/2.8 & Quinoa Spaghetti

Research & Saving Money

Before I decided to go with Tamron macro lens, I watched almost every Youtube video and read a ton of articles. After that research, it would have been stupid for me to spend all that money on Nikon lens when I could have Tamron food photography macro lens.

Tamron 90mm F/2.8 & Buckwheat Wrap

Cheaper option: Why?

Almost all the article or videos said that Tamron, Tamron, and Tamron. Not to mention that everyone recommended Tamron because of the VC. It’s just the best lens for that price. It doesn’t matter if you have a Nikon or Canon camera body. The same Tamron lens is available for Nikon and Canon (you can order Tamron 90mm F/2.8 MACRO VC for Nikon here and Canon here).

Technical blablabla …

Nikon vs Tamron? Same or better?!

Some technical parts such as object distance, length and weight are even better than Nikon 105 mm f/2.8 lens. None of the measurements weren’t worse than Nikon lens. Most of the measures were just the same or even better.

Experience & My Simple Food Blog

After using it for some time, I can say that it’s a good prime lens. Maybe, I’m still a little bit too beginner to decide, but I honestly don’t care. I can say that I’m pleased with the results and I can recommend it to others. Maybe I’m not as professional to see the difference but I’m happy. I couldn’t ask for more for my simple food blog.

Tamron 90mm F/2.8 MACRO VC

I used “nifty fifty” for years …

Before I got that lens, I used only 50 mm f/1.8 (post here) for my food photography. Compare to other lenses it’s a cheap one but still powerful. I believe that when you are just starting out with your food photography, then you should have that “nifty fifty.” You can even have an old camera body, but when you have an excellent lens, then you can shoot amazing images.

On the left, I used 50 mm f/1.8 lens and on the right 90 mm f/2.8 lens. On the left, you can see the closest shot I can have with 50 mm lens (post about 50 mm lens here). Turmeric bread (recipe here).

Why did I want macro lens? My excuse

However, after shooting with “nifty fifty” for almost two years, I felt that sometimes I would love to get some creative shots with a macro lens. After I upgraded my camera to full-frame Nikon D750, then I felt that only 50 mm lens isn’t enough. There were just too many times when I thought that I need to get a little bit closer but with a 50 mm lens, I just couldn’t.

Tamron 90mm F/2.8 & Paleo Pumpkin Pasta Alternative

Full-frame experience: 45-degree angle excuse

When you have a crop sensor, then it might be enough. However, when I bought the full-frame camera, then the new macro lens was almost like an obvious choice for me. Now, most of the time I use this lens for my food photography. I can finally shoot the 45-degree angle, and it’s like a perfect friend for my “nifty fifty”.

Comments

Wow, I was just reading about that new Tamron lens and I heard so many good things about it. I don’t have a macro right now but looks like I’m going to have Tamron as well when that day comes. Thanks for the review.

Great post! I have a 30mm/1.8 lens that I loooove for food photos, and always seem to get the best photos with. But I also have a 50mm that I play around with sometimes, and another one that I don’t remember what it is but should probably take it out and experiment with it more, haha!

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